BSS picnic full of fellowship

October 7, 2013

MARTINSBURG - Toes tapped and hips waggled as area seniors danced to the songs of their youth at the 23rd annual Berkeley Senior Services "Harvest Celebration" Senior Picnic Friday.

Fast-paced beats and group dances kept feet on the dance floor as seniors found their stamina to dance to their favorite songs and participate in competitions like best male and female dancer and best couples dance.

"It's just a way to wrap up the summer, and even though we've already had the first day of fall, it's just a time of the year when it's nice to have a picnic," said Linda Holtzapple, director for BSS.

Article Photos

Journal photo by Samantha CronkSeniors and Martinsburg High School Junior ROTC members crowd the dance floor of the 23rd annual Berkeley Senior Services Senion Picnic Friday, dancing to old and new favorites.

"Some of our seniors don't have family, and they don't get to do picnics. Like with my childhood, picnics were a big deal and those are where a lot of our memories come from. I think that's a big reason why it's such a big attraction is because it gives them that feeling of comfort and home and childhood memories," she said.

Although traditionally held at the Berkeley County Youth Fairgrounds, this year, the picnic took place at the Senior Center to provide the seniors with more comfort and accessibility with features like a handicap-size restrooms.

The senior picnic is one of the center's most popular events, and Holtzapple believes one of its major draws is the comfort food traditionally spread out on the picnic blanket: fried chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, a roll, cupcakes and ice cream.

"Normally, we really watch the salt and fat because we have guidelines that we have to follow from the USDA. They're very strict. We have a responsibility to make sure that we don't give them something that isn't good for their health," Holtzapple said.

Pam Cooper, a dedicated attendee of the event, was a fixture on the dance floor, her enthusiasm for dancing encouraging many to leave their seats and participate.

"I love to dance. I've been doing it for years. I come for the people, the party and the dancing," Cooper said.

Along with dancing, Cooper was excited to participate in the event's raffle in the hopes of winning either a drinking water filter or a Christmas-themed basket.

Community members and organizations donated the items for door prizes and more than 20 raffle selections, including multiple themed baskets, gift certificates, plush blankets and bicycle helmets.

The picnic was sponsored by Susquehanna Bank. The event also received assistance from Berkeley County Schools' Junior ROTC cadets from Martinsburg High School, who served as runners, dance partners and servers.

-Staff writer Samantha Cronk can be reached at 304-263-8931, ext. 132, or twitter.com/scronkJN.